For Yushu Zhou, the joy of opening We Rock the Spectrum Novi really sunk in when she watched two little girls playing at an imagination station the week of the grand opening.
“These two little girls were both on the spectrum and they just clicked right away playing grocery store,” Zhou says. “The parents had tears in their eyes, saying ‘I didn’t know they could make friends so easily.’”
“It’s so special to see kids gaining confidence through the friends they are making,” she adds. “This is different from other play–it’s more purposeful.”
Zhou says the parents of the two girls also connected, exchanging numbers and setting up a playdate. It’s Zhou’s dream for We Rock the Spectrum Novi to create a space for genuine connections like these.
The 6400-square-foot facility opened last month for open play. The space will eventually house special events, birthday parties, field trips, classes and more.
“For this gym, I have multiple goals: inspiring kids of all abilities, but also empowering parents, especially mothers,” she says. “I want to build a support network and be a part of the community.”
“I don’t want to position myself as a competitor, just an additional resource for people to choose from,” she adds.
The Novi facility is part of a chain of We Rock the Spectrum businesses. Each facility has 12 pieces of special sensory equipment. There’s a carpet swing to learn body control, monkey bars encourage motor planning, a climbing mountain for balance control and much more.
And while the equipment is great for kids with sensory challenges and physical differences, every kid can have fun–especially on something like the gym’s 50-foot zip line.
Q&A with Yushu Zhou
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
I came to the U.S. 15 years ago with two suitcases to study and I was blessed to get an education at Cornell and Harvard. I loved my past decade of work–but 2020 was a turning point. My son, Oliver, was born a week before COVID lockdown, and for 18 months he only knew me and my husband.
Why did you open We Rock the Spectrum Novi?
Last year, when my husband and I relocated back to Michigan, I left my corporate job and wanted to do something for myself and Oliver. I went to We Rock the Spectrum in Nashville, but I didn’t see anything like this here.
What is We Rock the Spectrum Novi all about?
A quick tagline is that we are an all inclusive kid sensory friendly gym. It means that first, we are inclusive. We are open to kids of all abilities: neurodivergent and neurotypical. We have some misconception that it’s only for neurodivergent kids but no, we are all inclusive.
We want to build confidence for neurodivergent kids and for neurotypical kids to embrace diversity, so there’s an opportunity for both groups — that’s important to me. We want to welcome everybody. We do not judge and we want you to feel comfortable and welcome.
What does We Rock the Spectrum Novi offer for different ages and needs?
There’s a gated infant and toddler area where kids can have tummy time and it’s super safe. Next to it, there’s a teen area where older kids can go and relax.
We have two special rooms — one, we call it the calming room, if kids get overstimulated, they can go to a quiet, darker room to calm down. That’s a very popular room. Even parents like to use it to take a break.
There’s also a therapy room, so we will collaborate with occupational and speech therapists to have private sessions there to use the facility then have therapy.
Does We Rock the Spectrum Novi host special events?
We have two multipurpose rooms to use for events like birthday parties and we have five different packages to choose from, ranging from $199 to $1,199. One package is dedicated to the neurodivergent community.
We’ll also host classes and mini camps outsourced from teachers. We just had a ‘Mommy and Me’ sensory story time. We will offer other classes like Little Ninja, tumbling, karate, arts and crafts, plus Friday night special events, like ‘Parents Night Out.’
What has the community response been so far?
The grand opening was phenomenal. One hundred families visited and it was really successful. We’re still spreading the word and letting the community know what we offer. It’s a great place with great resources.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I don’t really know anyone here yet; I still need to network and rebuild. I called 200 local businesses, but it’s hard because they don’t know me. I don’t have a track record here. It takes time. Unlike other owners [of We Rock the Spectrum franchises], I don’t have an established relationship here in order to show and have them understand what we’re offering. But, I have strong faith that with the community’s support, it will be successful.
Fast Talk with Yushu Zhou
Do you have a personal mantra or motto?
Just relax. Be patient.
What’s your favorite movie to watch as a family?
My son loves Guardians of the Galaxy.
What’s a secret talent of yours?
I know all the casino games! My major was gaming management–I started my career in the casino industry and I even designed some casino games.
Favorite spot for a family day out?
A visit to Guernsey Ice Cream and the Coney Island.
Everyone’s favorite ice cream flavor?
I love pistachio, my son, Oliver, loves chocolate, and my husband likes coffee.
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